A vessel includes a wall structure formed of light-transmitting material and having inner and outer surfaces and defining a cavity with an open upper end for receiving contents having a measurable volume, and a indicia disposed on the outer surface and including reversed characters as to be readable by a user viewing the inner surface and providing a readily observable indication of the volume of the contents of the vessel. The wall structure may have a spout with the indicia disposed either beneath the spout. The wall structure may have a handle, with the indicia being disposed either beneath the handle or opposite the handle. The indicia may include plural spaced sets of indicia, some or all of which sets may include reversed characters. The indicia may be offset from their corresponding liquid surface levels to compensate for refraction.
|
1. A vessel comprising:
a wall structure formed of a light-transmitting material and having inner and outer surfaces and defining a cavity with an open upper end for receiving contents having a measurable volume, the wall structure having an upstanding side wall portion, a spout defined by a deformed portion of the side wall portion, and indicia disposed on the outer surface of the side wall portion and including reversed alphanumeric characters so as to appear backwards to a user viewing from the outer surface and so as to be readable through the wall structure by a user viewing the inner surface and providing a readily observable indication of the volume of contents of the vessel, the indicia including vertically spaced markings respectively designating different volumes, the markings being respectively vertically offset from contents levels corresponding to the designated volumes by distances such that, when viewed from above, the markings will appear to be substantially at their corresponding contents levels despite refraction in the vessel wall structure, the indicia including indicia disposed adjacent to the spout and arranged in a generally y-shaped pattern with a stem portion disposed beneath and in substantially vertical alignment with the spout and branch portions extending respectively along opposite sides of the spout outside the deformed portion.
3. The vessel of
7. The vessel of
8. The vessel of
9. The vessel of
10. The vessel of
11. The vessel of
|
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/131,935, filed Apr. 24, 2002, now abandoned entitled "Measuring Cup With Reversed Indicia."
This application relates to vessels for containing measurable contents and, in particular, to vessels having graduated indicia to indicate the volume of contents in the vessel. The application relates in particular to measuring vessels.
Vessels such as cups, bowls, spoons and the like, which have a measuring capability, are known. Such devices can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal and glass. One of the most common measuring vessels found on the market today is a transparent measuring cup sold under the trademark Pyrex®. Such measuring cups have a handle and a spout opposite the handle and are provided on the outer surface thereof with graduated indicia, typically located on the side wall of the vessel about midway between the handle and the spout. The device may, for example, have indicia graduated in ounces on one side of the vessel and indicia graduated in cups and fractions thereof on a diametrically opposite side of the vessel. In such traditional measuring vessels, the indicia may sometimes be difficult to read depending, for example, upon how precise a measurement is needed and the physical condition of the user. In order to read the indicia on the outer surface of the container, the user must typically either stoop down to the level of the container to view it or hold the container up at eye level. In the case of a transparent or translucent vessel, the indicia may be visible by viewing the inner surface of the vessel side wall, but the alphanumeric characters typically included in such indicia appear reversed and are difficult to read. While some people are capable of making the mental interpolation necessary to read the reversed characters, other persons may find it extremely difficult.
Also, measurement accuracy may be impaired because indicia on the outer surface of the vessel, when viewed from inside the vessel and above, may be distorted by refractions in the vessel wall and/or contents of the vessel.
While it is known to use graduated indicia on the inner surface of a measuring vessel, particularly in the case of vessels made of opaque materials, this may be undesirable because it brings the indicia into contact with the contents of the vessel, In this regard, it must be recognized that measuring vessels are not limited in their utility and application to the kitchen. They may also be used for measuring proper ratios of solutions, e.g., antifreeze, and various other household materials, such as cleaning materials and the like, some of which may be caustic, acidic or have other characteristics which may tend to rapidly degrade the indicia. Also, in the case of food products, the indicia may be worn off and could contaminate the food products.
This application discloses a measuring vessel which avoids the disadvantages of prior measuring vessels while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
A significant aspect is the provision of a vessel which provides graduated indicia readable from the inside of the vessel without any risk of contamination of, or degradation by, the contents of the vessel.
Another aspect is the provision of a light-transmitting vessel which has indicia disposed on an outer surface thereof with reversed characters so as to be readable by a user viewing the inner surface thereof.
A further aspect is the provision of a vessel of the type set forth, which includes indicia readable from both the inside and the outside of the vessel.
A still further aspect is the provision of a vessel of the type set forth, which includes indicia readable through the vessel wall from above without adversely affecting measurement accuracy.
Yet another aspect is the provision of a vessel of the type set forth, which includes a handle and/or a spout, with indicia disposed under the handle and/or the spout.
Certain ones of these and other aspects may be attained by providing a vessel comprising a wall structure formed of a light-transmitting material and having inner and outer surfaces and defining a cavity with an open upper end for receiving contents having a measurable volume, and indicia disposed on the outer surface and including reversed characters so as to be readable by a user viewing the inner surface and providing a readily observable indication of the volume of the contents of the vessel.
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
Referring to
The side wall 13 of the vessel 10 is provided on its outer surface 15 with graduated measurement indicia 20 arranged in three discrete sets 21, 22 and 23, respectively disposed at locations circumferentially spaced apart by about 90°C. In particular, the set 21 is centered beneath the spout 16, the set 22 is centered about 90°C to the left of the set 21 and the set 23 is centered about 90°C to the right of set 21, as viewed in FIG. 1. The sets 21 and 22 of indicia are graduated in cups and fractions thereof, while the set 23 of indicia is graduated in ounces. As can be seen from
Referring to
Referring now to
While specific arrangements of indicia have been illustrated in
It is significant that the generally Y-shaped configuration of the sets 21 and 40 of indicia permits them to be disposed beneath the spout and/or beneath the handle, without risk of any distortion of any of the indicia. This affords a significant advantage, since in certain applications it may be easier or more desirable to view the indicia in those positions.
Referring now to
While the illustrated embodiments are all measuring cups of a 2-cup capacity, it will be appreciated that the techniques described above could be utilized for any size measuring cup. Similarly, these techniques could be utilized for other types of measuring vessels. While transparent glass vessels have been described, since these afford clearest visibility through the thickness of the vessel side wall 13, it will be appreciated that other light-transmitting constructions, such as translucent wall structures, could be utilized. Also, while the illustrated vessels are formed of a clear material, they could be tinted or colored, if desired. While glass is the preferred material, other types of translucent or transparent materials, such as suitable plastics or the like, could be utilized.
Referring to
However, in the vessel of
It will be appreciated that, given the slight measurement error that user's of measuring cups are typically willing to accept, it has been determined that the offset locations of the indicia can be placed in accordance with an average viewing angle and will give substantially accurate results for viewing angles within a predetermined acceptable range of that average angle. In the actual illustrated embodiment, if it is assumed that the line of sight 67 is inclined at a viewing angle of a substantially 45°C from the inner surface 64, and that the side wall 63 has a thickness of a substantially 0.2 inch, and given an index of refraction for air of 1.0002926 and an index of refraction for glass of 1.51714, the angle between the plane of the liquid level 66 and the refracted line of sight is approximately 28°C and the distance between the points 68 and 70 is given by 0.2×tan 28°C, or approximately 0.106 inch. Thus, for a glass vessel with that wall thickness, it has been found that the standard indicia positions can be shifted downward approximately ⅛ inch and give reasonably accurate measurements for typical viewing angles. It will be appreciated that, for other side wall thicknesses and other materials, the determination of the appropriate positions of the offset indicia 70 can be determined by similar techniques.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided a light-transmitting vessel which bears indicia on its outer surface which can be correctly read from inside the vessel, and which may be disposed beneath a spout and/or handle of the vessel without distortion.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
King, Kenneth E., Konsugar, Michael R., Sprankle, Adam
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10094647, | Jul 11 2016 | Tool with multiple measurement markings | |
10100710, | Oct 10 2014 | Ford Global Technologies, LLC | Detachable water pump reservoir |
10167131, | Dec 21 2012 | Content dispensing container apparatus | |
10781030, | Dec 21 2012 | Content dispensing container apparatus | |
10935409, | Jan 22 2019 | Measuring cup giving contents defined shape as form of indication | |
11053057, | Mar 28 2018 | Volume-reducing overlapping-scale container system and method | |
11292657, | Dec 21 2012 | Medline Industries, LP | Content dispensing container apparatus |
11583475, | Apr 05 2019 | CD Acquisitions, LLC | Medicine dispensing system having stair-step dosing indicators |
11932452, | Apr 27 2018 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Bag with text display |
7306120, | Aug 07 2003 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Measuring cup with volume markings visible while pouring |
7665359, | Aug 15 2007 | Antares Capital LP | Clear hanging measuring cup |
7753206, | Jul 19 2006 | Zyliss USA Corporation | Nestable measuring cups |
7811522, | Jul 05 2007 | Integra Biosciences AG | Sample reservoir kits with disposable liners |
8382730, | Feb 14 2007 | KPR U S , LLC | Surgical fluid basin |
8844354, | May 15 2012 | Silicone Zone (HK) Ltd. | Universal measuring container and method |
9534881, | Apr 03 2013 | NIIGATA SEIKI CO., LTD. | Ring gauge with maintenance line and round point and method of manufacturing the same |
9828140, | Jul 23 2014 | Container with inverted hook-shaped handle | |
D533471, | Dec 12 2005 | Translucent container for measuring a volume therein | |
D548114, | Jul 19 2006 | Zyliss USA Corporation | Measuring cup |
D548115, | Jul 19 2006 | Zyliss USA Corporation | Stackable measuring cups |
D559029, | Nov 20 2006 | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WSPC ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC | Sauce cup |
D559634, | Feb 09 2007 | BROWNE & CO | Container for fat separator |
D562159, | Mar 02 2007 | ANTARES CAPITAL LP, AS SUCCESSOR AGENT | Measuring cup |
D562160, | Mar 12 2007 | WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS THE SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT | Measuring container |
D580798, | Aug 15 2007 | Antares Capital LP | Clear hanging measuring cup |
D620817, | Mar 21 2009 | WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS THE SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT | Measuring container |
D641265, | Nov 04 2009 | WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS THE SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT | Measuring container |
D641266, | Nov 04 2009 | WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS THE SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT | Measuring container |
D642080, | Oct 09 2009 | ADE GMBH & CO | Measuring cup and kitchen scale combination |
D660186, | Dec 13 2011 | Target Brands, Inc. | Measuring cup |
D688579, | Feb 12 2013 | MARSHALL, MICHAEL C | Pool scoop |
D700797, | Nov 09 2012 | Drinking vessel | |
D743279, | Apr 01 2014 | Measuring cup | |
D746159, | Aug 07 2014 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Scoop with label |
D756246, | Jan 30 2014 | Progressive International Corporation | Measuring cup |
D808827, | Mar 02 2015 | Helen of Troy Limited | Measuring container |
D886322, | Nov 18 2018 | HOMELIFE, LLC | Melting pot |
D887869, | Dec 19 2017 | Helen of Troy Limited | Measuring cup |
D981254, | Nov 26 2019 | Stackable medication cup |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
1105114, | |||
1250890, | |||
1386571, | |||
1507968, | |||
153159, | |||
1674475, | |||
1711796, | |||
2165045, | |||
217050, | |||
258035, | |||
2758771, | |||
3530722, | |||
3636360, | |||
3672061, | |||
3832785, | |||
3881102, | |||
3931741, | Nov 02 1973 | Combined measuring spoon and receptacle | |
39346, | |||
4115939, | Oct 04 1976 | MEDLEY DISTILLING COMPANY, 510 WEST BROADWAY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40202 A CORP OF KY | Bottle with a multiple part label |
4262535, | Feb 13 1979 | AB Industrifirman Skandia | Apparatus for metering or distributing the volume of liquids |
432018, | |||
449147, | |||
4641025, | Dec 05 1984 | The Boeing Company | System for determining the position of the boundary between substances having different refractive indices |
5235853, | Jun 03 1991 | Companhia Vidraria Santa Marina | Monobloc mold for engraving pressed glass containers |
5607078, | Jul 21 1995 | Device for counting and measuring liquid consumption | |
5823046, | Sep 14 1993 | Measuring vessel | |
5863431, | Sep 15 1995 | Disposable filter with indicia | |
5966214, | May 12 1998 | Electronic Design To Market, Inc.; ELECTRONIC DESIGN TO MARKET, INC | Gauge for measuring glass thickness and glass pane spacing |
598891, | |||
6048069, | Mar 09 1999 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Wide angle image-displaying sheet and system |
6098029, | Jun 14 1994 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Liquid-level position measuring method and system |
6212953, | Mar 28 1996 | Measurite Corporation Limited | Measuring receptacle having angled lines |
6238907, | Feb 26 1999 | DSM PATHWORKS, INC | Container for storing and examining placentas |
6263732, | May 18 1999 | Helen of Troy Limited | Measuring cup |
6357130, | May 10 1999 | David William, Rank | Drafting template for preparing axonometric drawings |
6375031, | Jul 26 1999 | MERRY CHANCE INDUSTRIES LTD | Container for liquids having viewing window |
679628, | |||
925582, | |||
20010042402, | |||
20020029635, | |||
202368, | |||
202369, | |||
D268158, | Mar 18 1981 | Combined separator, strainer and measuring cup | |
D394217, | Jun 18 1997 | Dart Industries Inc. | Measuring cup |
D431478, | Apr 08 1999 | Measuring cup | |
99405, | |||
FR2766692, | |||
JP2000304590, | |||
JP61160024, |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Jan 07 2008 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Mar 19 2012 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Aug 03 2012 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Aug 03 2007 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Feb 03 2008 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Aug 03 2008 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Aug 03 2010 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Aug 03 2011 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Feb 03 2012 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Aug 03 2012 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Aug 03 2014 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Aug 03 2015 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Feb 03 2016 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Aug 03 2016 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Aug 03 2018 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |